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Special Populations & Co-occurring Disorders

Special populations are groups who face particular risks from drinking alcohol based on personal characteristics such as age or gender. Special populations also include certain ethnic and racial minorities who can experience more negative consequences of illness generally, and who may share certain drinking patterns.

Co-occurring disorders are particular problems that often affect people who also suffer from alcohol abuse or dependence. These can include psychiatric problems like anxiety or depression, abuse of other drugs, as well as other illnesses such as HIV/AIDS.